Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe Easy Homemade Snack with Marinara Sauce
This recipe delivers crispy, golden mozzarella sticks made in the air fryer with a homemade marinara dipping sauce. It’s a quick, easy, and healthier alternative to deep frying, perfect for snacks or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- Mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese), cut in half
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Olive oil spray
- For marinara sauce:
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp sugar
Instructions
- Unwrap string cheese and cut each stick in half. Pat dry with paper towel to remove moisture. (5 minutes)
- Set up dredging stations: one bowl with ½ cup flour, second with 2 beaten eggs, third with 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. (5 minutes)
- Coat each mozzarella piece by rolling in flour, dipping in egg, then pressing into breadcrumb mixture. Repeat egg and breadcrumb step for double coating. Place coated sticks on tray and freeze for 30 minutes. (40 minutes including freeze time)
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Spray mozzarella sticks lightly with olive oil spray. Place in single layer in air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cheese is melting inside. (8 minutes)
- While sticks cook, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in small saucepan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and sugar. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. (15 minutes)
- Serve mozzarella sticks hot with homemade marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
Freeze the coated mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes before air frying to prevent cheese from leaking. Use double coating of egg and breadcrumbs for sturdiness. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure crispiness. Reheat leftovers in air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispness; avoid microwaving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4 mozzarella s
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Protein: 18
Keywords: mozzarella sticks, air fryer, homemade snack, marinara sauce, crispy cheese sticks, easy appetizer, party snack